6 of 12Peugeot paid close attention to all of the details of the Onyx.

Photo by Peugeot

7 of 12The Peugeot Onyx was revealed in Paris.

Photo by Greg Migliore

8 of 12The Peugeot Onyx has copper panels.

Photo by Greg Migliore

9 of 12A side view of the Peugeot Onyx.

Photo by Greg Migliore

10 of 12Designers worked on the Peugeot Onyx from a variety of angles.

Photo by Peugeot

11 of 12The Onyx has evolved from sketch form.

Photo by Peugeot

12 of 12The Onyx has a diesel hybrid V8 engine.

Photo by Peugeot

Glazing over the French winner of Autoweek’s Best Concept award from the Paris motor show would be a mistake. Perhaps it would be understandable, since it shares a place on our podium with the McLaren P1, Jaguar F-Type and Volkswagen Golf. The first two are supercars—successors to the F1 and E-type, respectively. The third is merely one of the best-selling cars in the world.

Heady company, indeed.

But there’s no reason for Peugeot to blush amid such illustrious company; its Onyx supercar is worthy in every way. Frankly, it’s well ahead of many concepts we’ve encountered—since this thing actually runs. Rapidly. It’s capable of more than 200 mph and has been tested as high as 124 mph.

The Onyx is based on pillars of Peugeot racing: speed and style. It looks like a Le Mans competitor, because that’s precisely what it is, in many ways. The 3.7-liter V8 hybrid diesel powertrain is borrowed from the French company’s endurance-car efforts, and it makes 600 hp. An extra 80 hp is on tap during acceleration thanks to a KERS system.

Clad in a dark jacket, thin black striped tie and white shirt, he explains the intricate thought that went into the materials of the Onyx. It’s meant to be natural—actual one-millimeter-thick copper is used for some of the panels. That contrasts with the black carbon fiber used for the rest of the exterior structure, while inside, felt and recycled newsprint cover some of the touchpoints and surfaces. French flag graphics accent cameras, which are mounted on the flanks in place of side-view mirrors, and there’s crystal in the center console.

The idea is to have a raw, mineral effect. Onyx is a type of semiprecious stone. The dictionary makes reference to alternate colored layers, which describes the appearance of the concept perfectly. Though it’s fast, Vidal admitted, “It’s not everyday life-proof.”

We briefly sat in the cocoon-like cabin on the floor of the Paris show, as Vidal elaborated on the pieces and materials. It’s low to the ground, and you need to sit down and swing your legs in to get situated.

Still, the full shapes and sharp lines, punctuated by LED lights and other purposeful technology, offer a preview of potential Peugeot dynamics.

“There are a lot of hints of our future,” Vidal said.

Under the skin is also intriguing. The 12-piece carbon frame weighs only 221 pounds, and the total car checks in at just 2,425 pounds. The chassis also includes a double-wishbone suspension and 20-inch wheels.

Peugeot has been absent from the United States since the early 1990s, and there have been no hints of a possible return. Because of this, we rarely honor French cars with Editors’ Choice awards.

But occasionally they catch our eye. With striking style and rip-roaring power, the Onyx puts the onus on Americans to pay attention to Peugeot, if for no other reason than lust. Sounds like the mission of a concept car—in this case, the Best Concept car.

Greg Migliore is news editor of Autoweek.

The 2012 Paris motor show—or Mondail de l'Automobile, as it is officially known––will take place Sept. 27 through Oct. 14. It occurs every two years, alternating with the Frankfurt motor show in Germany. Paris is a showcase for design, but automakers will also be showing off their latest concept cars, green cars and supercars. Check out Autoweek's coverage of the Paris motor show here.